It feels like everywhere we look these days, everyone’s “plugged in,” even our youngest children. Whether they’re playing games, using educational apps, watching videos, or even peeking at social media, screen time is definitely a part of modern life. And while technology is an incredible tool, it also comes with a few worries, like kids being less active, having trouble sleeping, feeling a bit isolated, and even facing bullying.

At Early Bloom Academy, as a leading early childhood education provider, we share your thoughts about how much screen time children are getting and how they’re using it. These early years are crucial for children to develop the critical thinking skills they’ll need to make smart life choices, and that includes making safe digital choices. We have the privilege of teaching and caring for many children every day, and a big part of that involves guiding them to make better choices online through our Technology Track and STEM Learning Adventures programs. These programs help children explore coding, digital art, game design, and digital citizenship. We truly want kids to be active creators of technology, not just passive consumers. Our goal is for them to use technology as a tool to learn, discover the world, and build connections. But above all, we want our children to be safe.

Here are five practical tips to help children become safe digital learners and develop those essential 21st-century skills:

1. Set Smart Limits on Screen Time

Real-life, unstructured play is a fantastic way to boost children’s creativity and help them explore their world. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that children under two should generally avoid digital media (except for the occasional video chat with family), and two- to five-year-olds should stick to no more than an hour a day. Of course, a little screen time for your preschooler or school-aged child isn’t the end of the world! Just focus on setting clear limits and encouraging plenty of free play with friends or siblings, reading on their own or with you, going for walks, or playing outside. And remember, the more interactive the screen time, the better it is for your child.

2. Be Part of Their Online World

You chat with your kids about their day at school and who their friends are, right? It’s just as important to talk about what they’re doing and who they’re connecting with online. Try sitting with your children while they’re on a device and engaging with what they’re watching, reading, or creating. Be more than just a watchful eye; participate and help facilitate their learning. Let your children know they can always come to you about anything they see online, no matter what. The more you interact with them during screen time, the stronger your connection will be.

3. Use Technology as a Creative Tool

That “educational” app your child loves might claim to be beneficial, but what are they truly learning as their little fingers swipe across the screen? Technology can unlock incredible freedom for children to discover, create, and tinker, but only if the tools they’re using genuinely encourage curiosity and critical thinking. When we use technology at Early Bloom Academy, we make sure the children are “driving” the technology, not the other way around. It’s a great idea to check out reviews, like those on Common Sense Media, to ensure those favorite online apps and games are truly age-appropriate and put children in the driver’s seat of their learning.

4. Teach Thoughtful Online Behavior

What we put online can stay there for a long, long time. Talk with your children about how their online posts can influence how people see them – for better or worse. You can model great online behavior by teaching them to really think critically about what they read and hear online, and where that information came from. No matter our age, we all benefit from a reminder to pause and think before reacting to something we see or hear from a friend, whether we’re online or off.

5. Create Tech-Free Zones

Mealtime, family time, and bedtime are perfect opportunities to put screens away and truly be present with one another. It’s not enough to just turn down the volume or have a screen on in the background – completely turn off your electronics and encourage everyone in your family to connect the good old-fashioned way. You’ll be amazed where the conversation (or play!) might lead. Need a little help with this? Take a cue from our curriculum developers here at Early Bloom Academy. Many families have a special box they call their “phone home,” where all phones and portable electronics go during mealtimes, family time, and at bedtime. It’s a gentle reminder for everyone, kids and adults alike, about when to put down the screens and simply enjoy each other’s company.

Together, we can empower children to be smart and safe in their online adventures. Creating an open and understanding atmosphere about online activity helps build respectful, caring, and supportive relationships that allow our children to truly grow and thrive.